Temporal variation in atmospheric ammonia concentrations above seabird colonies

Blackall, T. D.; Wilson, L. J.; Bull, J.; Theobald, M. R.; Bacon, P. J.; Hamer, K. C.; Wanless, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2788-4606; Sutton, M. A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341. 2008 Temporal variation in atmospheric ammonia concentrations above seabird colonies. Atmospheric Environment, 42 (29). 6942-6950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.04.059

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.04.059

Abstract/Summary

Recent studies have shown that seabirds are an important source of ammonia (NH3) emissions in remote coastal ecosystems. Nesting behaviour, which varies between seabird species, is likely to be a major factor in determining the proportion of excreted nitrogen (N) volatilised to the atmosphere as NH3. A long-term NH3 monitoring programme was implemented at a Scottish seabird colony with a range of species and associated nesting behaviours. The average monthly NH3 concentration was measured at 12 locations over a 14-month period, to infer spatial (i.e. species-specific) and temporal (seasonal) changes in NH3 emissions from different seabird species. An emissions model of seabird NH3, based on species-specific bioenergetics and behaviour, was applied to produce spatial estimates for input to a dispersion model. Atmospheric NH3 concentrations demonstrated spatial variability as a result of differing local populations of breeding seabirds, with the highest concentrations measured above cliff nesting species such as Common guillemot Uria aalge, Razorbill Alca torda and Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. NH3 concentrations above a colony of burrow nesting Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica were low, considering the high number of birds. Emission of NH3 from excreted N exhibits a time lag of approximately a month. It is likely that all excreted N is lost from the colony by volatilisation as NH3 or surface run-off between breeding seasons. Modelled NH3 emissions and concentrations correlated with measured concentrations, but were much higher, reflecting uncertainties in the local turbulent characteristics. The results allow multi-species seabird population data to be used for the calculation of regional and global NH3 emission inventories, whilst improving understanding of N budgets of remote coastal ecosystems.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.04.059
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Watt Billett (to November 2013)
ISSN:	1352-2310
Additional Keywords:	Ammonia, Emission, Seabird, Nitrogen, Guano, Model
NORA Subject Terms:	Atmospheric Sciences
Date made live:	03 Feb 2009 10:56 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/5529

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.04.059

Programmes:

CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Watt
Billett (to November 2013)

ISSN:

1352-2310

Additional Keywords:

Ammonia, Emission, Seabird, Nitrogen, Guano, Model